Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
High winds may have subsided but now high waters are presenting a hazard for Kuskokwim River travelers. With no roads to connect Bethel to outlying villages, the river serves as the main transportation route for trucks and snow machines. But travelers are having problems getting on, and off, the ice road. Pete Williams is the Director of the Port of Bethel. He said a Port employee had to assist a traveler that tried to drive through the overflow Thursday night.
Williams says that the recent storm pushed water into the Kuskokwim, creating overflow 3-4 feet deep in some places. Williams says high tides are particularly dangerous.
Temperatures are expected to drop later this weekend, which should freeze the overflow and make for safer travel conditions.
Download Audio (MP3)
